News
By Claire Glasgow, Head of Abuse Claims at Dean Wilson LLP
On 5 November 2026, the jury in the criminal proceedings against Russell Brand returned guilty verdicts in respect of four of the seven charges against him. He was found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four different women.
I have been instructed in a civil claim against Mr Brand and sat through much of the evidence in court myself on behalf of my client.
It is incredibly rare for allegations of rape to lead to a criminal charge, and then for that charge to result in a conviction in court. The women involved showed immense bravery not only in speaking out against someone who is influential and well-known, but also in enduring the process of holding him to account.
It can be a retraumatising process to have to relay the account of an incident any victim or survivor would rather forget, both to the police and to the court. No woman will undertake this lightly.
There are various ways of holding a perpetrator to account.
While the criminal process is the means by which a perpetrator can be sentenced to imprisonment and prevented from accessing further victims, there are also civil remedies available to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault.
A personal injury claim for the psychiatric impact of an assault can result in a payment of damages. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may help fund specialist trauma therapy and account for some of the financial impact where a victim has been unable to work as a result of their injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, survivors of rape or sexual assault may be able to pursue a civil claim against the person responsible.
A civil claim is separate from criminal proceedings and can seek compensation for the psychological and financial impact of an assault. This can include the cost of specialist treatment and, where applicable, loss of earnings.
Anyone considering a civil claim for sexual assault or abuse should take specialist legal advice about their individual circumstances.
I have previously represented numerous victims of sexual assault in personal injury claims against high-profile individuals, including Crispin Odey, Kevin Spacey and Mohamed Fayed. I am now instructed in respect of a civil claim against Mr Brand.
The outcome of a successful civil claim can provide financial compensation that helps to fund much-needed specialist trauma therapy which, due to cost, can otherwise be beyond the reach of victims.
Successful therapy can help to rebuild the lives of women who have experienced the impact of rape and sexual assault on their careers and personal relationships. The effect of sexual assault can be devastating to an individual’s sense of trust in themselves and those around them, while the symptoms of trauma can derail otherwise successful careers.
We have heard the accounts of six women in court in relation to Mr Brand’s conduct, while others have spoken to Channel 4 and The Times. The police have also indicated that there are further ongoing enquiries.
While the verdicts returned on 5 November were a validating outcome for the women concerned, it remains to be seen what further action will be taken against Mr Brand in respect of the other allegations that have been aired.
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault involving a high-profile individual, or would like advice about whether you may be able to bring a civil claim for sexual assault or abuse, you can contact Claire Glasgow, Head of Abuse Claims at Dean Wilson LLP.
Claire has extensive experience representing victims in sensitive and high-profile sexual assault claims.
All communication will be treated confidentially.
Email Claire Glasgow at ceg@deanwilson.co.uk.